Posts tagged love

Wow. This story took me back a bit …

simplyorthodox:

From a conversation of a young lady with Elder Anatole Potapov of Optina:

“Now you’re going to tell me you want to get married?”

I was silent.

“You love him now for his good looks. Marry him when you feel that you can’t live without him. I know of one case: the husband was at war and was killed. His wife died at home in that same hour. When it’s like that with you, then get married.” 

- Elder Anatole of Optina

As many of you know, in October 2010, I spent a week with a group of children at the Hogar Rafael Ayau orphanage in Guatemala City who have experienced things in their short lives that no person should ever experience. Their joyous and gracious spirits touched my heart forever, and helped strengthen my hope for humanity.

For those who don’t know, this past week 12-year-old Adriana became ill and passed away. I had met her, and regardless how well I got to know her, or any of the children for that matter, any more tragedies they have to endure simply breaks my heart. The children, staff, and nuns at the Hogar are one large family and like any family, a loss is never easy.

I came across two stories Madre Maria recently shared that touched my heart and hopefully it can help anyone else going through a loss:

-For one whole week, Adriana was lovingly cared for by her big sister Reina until the day she was rushed to the hospital for emergency. That night, Reina dreamt of her little sister inviting her to take a walk at the Hogar park. While walking together, Adriana told Reina, “I will be well!!!” And Reina assured her, “You will be well!!!” Early morning the next day, Adriana slept in the Lord peacefully.

-On the night of the wake, our dear Adriana was kept company by our older kids who freely chose to stay all night until dawn in Church taking turns on their own in reading the 150 psalms over and over again, singing the eight tones and other liturgical songs they know by heart!!! It is truly a grace to witness the strong and solid faith of these kids in their grief. And it is indeed beautiful to see how their faith transforms their human grief into paschal joy!!! BIG IS GOD!!!!!!!!!!!